Method for Semi-Automatic Food Cooking

ABSTRACT

A semi-automatic food cooking apparatus comprising: a control unit; a communication unit; and a cooking compartment comprising: a cooking cartridge loading tray; a movable press; a movable cooking base; and a cooking cartridge lid guide.

The present application claims priority from the following provisionalapplications: Application No. 62/509,176 filed May 21, 2017, ApplicationNo. 62/502,755 filed May 7, 2017, Application No. 62/470,230 filed Mar.11, 2017, and Application No. 62/473,374 filed Mar. 18, 2017, all ofwhich list Kete Long as an inventor. All of the foregoing applicationsare incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to systems and processes in kitchenautomation, specifically, systems and methods to automate thepreparation and cooking of various food items.

BACKGROUND

Food cooking is a tedious process that involves multiple steps andskills. Professional chefs can create delicious meals from creative usesof ingredients (e.g. herbs, spices, and condiments) and food items (e.g.meats, and vegetables). Consumers usually cook meals by followingrecipes.

Food cooking processes usually involves the following steps: (1)preparing food items into desired shapes and sizes, (2) assembling allfood items and ingredients into desired amounts, and (3) cooking theprepared food items and ingredients with some form of heating by addingthe prepared items in a certain sequence. In step (1), food items arewashed, cut and chopped into desired sizes. In step (2), all therequired ingredients are brought together in certain quantities tocreate tasty meals. In step (3), the prepared items are put togethermanually. This step involves mixing the prepared items in a cookingmedium such as pan or pot.

There exist cooking devices that can cook certain recipes with minimumeffort. For example, slow cookers can reduce work in step (3). But, onlycertain types of meals can be cooked with slow cookers. There existprogrammable slower cookers that allow for the setting of cookingtemperatures and times. Cooking with slow cookers still requires theexecution of steps (1) and (2).

Also available are convenient pre-cooked and frozen food packages. Thisform of food cooking removes steps (1) and (2) from the process as thefood items are already prepared. Step (3) may be partially completedbefore a package is made available to consumers.

Food items in the package may be pre-cooked. As a result, cookingrequires minimum efforts and less time. However, nutritional value andtaste degrade with this form of cooking. Most prepackaged food containspreservatives. Partially cooked food that is stored for a lengthy periodof time tends to lose nutrients and is characterized by a degradedflavor.

There also exist fully automatic commercial- or industrial-style cookingdevices that can perform all steps (1), (2) and (3) or steps (2) and (3)in an automated manner. However, such devices tend to be unnecessarilycomplicated. They are not suitable for consumer use and do not addconvenience, and most of them are impractical.

SUMMARY

The present application provides for semi-automatic food cooking thatbrings all steps together in a way that reduces most of the tediouswork. Consumers just insert a cooking cartridge preloaded with fooditems and supplementary cartridges containing supplementary contents(e.g. supplementary ingredients, condiments, and spices) to cook a mealin the apparatus that does the cooking with programmable cooking cycles.Step (1) of the process is simplified with prepared food items that areloaded in the cooking cartridge. Prepackaged fresh food items may alsobe made commercially available. Step (2) of the process is highlysimplified with commercially available supplementary cartridges that aredesigned for a great variety of meals. Step (3) of the process is fullyautomated. The apparatus with programmable cooking cycle can cook mealswith minimum or no human intervention.

Preferred embodiments of this present application provide severalbenefits, including one or more of the following:

The cooking method adds convenience to food cooking. Once the cookingcartridge and supplementary cartridges are inserted into the apparatusand a cooking program is initiated, the apparatus does all the cookingoperations including heating, adding water, draining water, addingsupplementary contents, mixing or stirring food items.

The cooking method is clean. The cooking cartridge is completely sealedduring the cooking process. Its lid is open only when supplementarycontents or water are added. This prevents spills from cooking. Certaintypes of cooking, for example stir-fry, create greasy spills if carriedout with an open cooking medium, such as a wok.

The cooking method allows unlimited creativity in meal preparation.There is a great variety of meals to be prepared with many possiblecombinations of food items loaded in the cooking cartridge andsupplementary contents provided through supplementary cartridges. Watermay also be added.

The cooking method prepares meals from fresh food items that containmaximum amounts of original nutrients. Unlike precooked frozen foodpackages, the taste of food from this cooking method is not inferior tothat from traditional cooking methods.

The apparatus does not have complicated designs and sophisticatedoperations. With the semi-automatic cooking method, the apparatus doesnot perform complex operations of loading food items and ingredients incertain sequence with a sophisticated dispenser. The cooking does notrequire a stirrer or a similar moving part. The apparatus mixes fooditems and supplementary contents by vibrating the cooking cartridge.

The cooking method is enhanced by user friendly interface andoperations. Programs that control cooking cycles can be entered locally.They can also be uploaded or transferred through external devices suchas smart phones or tablets. The apparatus can communicate with externaldevices and network with wire or wireless connections.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, supplemental cartridges areprovided for use in such a system.

In one embodiment, a semi-automatic food cooking apparatus is providedcomprising a control unit, and a cooking compartment. In thisembodiment, the cooking compartment includes a cooking cartridge loadingtray, which is adapted to receive a cooking cartridge that holds atleast some of the ingredients of a recipe; a movable press, which isadapted to engage the top of the cooking cartridge; and a movablecooking base, to which is cooking cartridge loading tray is connected(directly or indirectly). In a preferred embodiment, the cookingcartridge is provided with a lid, and the movable press engages the lidof the cooking cartridge.

This embodiment may also include a cooking cartridge lid guide. Thisembodiment may further include a communication unit, through whichinformation and/or instructions may be communicated between theapparatus and the user.

In a further embodiment, the movable press comprises: a movable pressupper part; a movable press lower part; a press operating unit withmeans to set the position of the upper part relative to the lower part;and a spring, wherein (a) the lower part comprises: a vibrator; and amovable cooking cartridge lid holder; and (b) the spring is connected tothe upper part and lower part of the movable press and allowsindependent movements of the upper part and the lower part. The movablepress may further comprise a pressure sensor.

In an additional embodiment, the movable cooking base comprises amovable cooking base upper part, a movable cooking base lower part,wherein (a) the upper part comprises: a platform base; a cookingplatform; and a vibrator coupled to the platform base, and (b) a springcoupled to the upper part and the lower part of the movable cooking baseand allows for independent movements of the upper part and lower part.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted to receive asupplementary cartridge for loading supplementary contents, in additionto a cooking cartridge for loading the main food items.

In an alternative embodiment, a semi-automatic food cooking apparatus isprovided comprising a control unit, a cooking compartment, and asupplementary cartridge loading compartment. The supplementary cartridgeloading compartment may comprise a supplementary cartridge loading tray,and at least one supplementary content discharge gap. The cookingcompartment may comprise a cooking cartridge loading tray, and asupplementary content loading chute. This embodiment may further includea communication unit, through which information and/or instructions maybe communicated between the apparatus and the user.

The supplementary cartridge loading compartment may further comprise asupplementary cartridge cap opening device. The supplementary cartridgecap opening device may comprise a supplementary cartridge cap openinghook. The supplementary cartridge loading compartment may furthercomprise a supplementary cartridge socket and at least one vibrator. Theforegoing embodiments may include a cooking cartridge for loading fooditems and a supplementary cartridge for loading supplementary contents.

Each of the foregoing embodiments may also include a heating element,which may be selected from the group consisting of a heating coil,induction heating element, microwave device, or combinations thereof.The apparatus may further include a cooling element, which may beselected from the group consisting of a ventilation fan, heat pipe, heatpump, and combinations thereof. The apparatus may further include awater inlet with a control valve, a waste water reservoir, a waste waterdraining device, and a waste water drain conduit.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method forsemi-automatic food cooking, wherein the method comprises: inserting acooking cartridge containing food items in the cooking compartment of asemi-automatic cooking apparatus, wherein the cooking compartmentcomprises a cooking cartridge loading tray, a movable press, a movablecooking base, and a cooking cartridge lid guide; initiating a cookingcycle, and removing the cooking cartridge from the semi-automaticcooking apparatus at the end of the cooking cycle. As part of insertingthe cooking cartridge, the method may further include: opening thecooking cartridge loading tray, placing the cooking cartridge on thecartridge loading tray, closing the cooking cartridge loading tray. Themethod may further comprise the execution of a cooking program tocontrol the cooking cycle.

In a further embodiment, the cooking cycle comprises a step selectedfrom the group consisting of: setting the movable press in a “ready”position, setting the movable press in a “press” position, setting themovable press in a “lift” position, and combinations thereof. Thecooking cycle may also comprise activating one or more of a firstvibrator coupled to the movable press and a second vibrator coupled tothe movable cooking base. In addition, the cooking cycle may compriseone or more of adding water to the cooking cartridge and draining waterfrom the cooking cartridge. The cooking cycle may further compriseadding supplementary contents to the cooking cartridge.

In an another embodiment, a method enables semi-automatic food cooking,wherein the method comprises inserting a cooking cartridge containingfood items in a cooking compartment of a semi-automatic cookingapparatus; inserting a supplementary cartridge containing supplementarycontents in a supplementary loading compartment of the semi-automaticcooking apparatus; initiating a cooking cycle, and removing the cookingcartridge and the supplemental cartridge from the semi-automatic cookingapparatus at the end of the cooking cycle. The cooking compartment maycomprise a cooking cartridge loading tray and a supplementary contentloading chute, and the supplementary compartment may comprise asupplementary cartridge loading tray a supplementary content dischargegap. The method may further comprise the execution of a cooking programto control the cooking cycle.

To insert the supplementary cartridge, the method may further compriseopening the supplementary cartridge loading tray, placing thesupplementary cartridge on the supplementary cartridge loading tray andclosing the supplementary cartridge loading tray. The cooking cycle mayfurther comprise opening the supplementary cartridge and discharging thesupplementary contents through the supplementary discharge gap and thesupplementary loading chute into the cooking cartridge. The cookingcycle may also comprise one or more of adding water to the cookingcartridge and draining water from the cooking cartridge. In addition,the cooking cycle may comprise activating a vibrator to assist thedischarge of contents from the supplementary cooking cartridge. Themethod may also comprise one or more of adding food items to the cookingcartridge and adding supplementary contents to the supplementarycartridge.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is directed to asupplementary cartridge for holding supplemental ingredients. In apreferred embodiment, the supplementary cartridge includes a housing forholding its contents, and an airtight cap that can be removed in orderto allow the contents to empty out. The cap preferably includes anaperture or indentation that is adapted to be engaged by a hook in theapparatus, so that the hook can moved so as to open the cap. Thesupplementary cartridge also preferably includes a code label forsetting cooking program to control the cooking cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the front view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the movable press is in “ready” position.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the front view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the movable press is in “ready” position, a cookingcartridge is inserted, and supplementary cartridges are inserted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the front view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the movable press is in “press” position, a cookingcartridge is inserted, and supplementary cartridges are inserted.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the front view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the movable press is in “lift” position.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the side view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the cooking cartridge loading tray and supplementarycartridge loading tray are in “close” position, and movable press is in“ready” position.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the side view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the cooking cartridge loading tray and supplementarycartridge loading tray are in “open” position, and the movable press isin “ready” position.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the side view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the cooking cartridge loading tray and supplementarycartridge loading tray are in “open” position, and a cooking cartridgeand supplementary cartridges are inserted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the side view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the cooking cartridge loading tray and supplementarycartridge loading tray are in “close” position, a cooking cartridge andsupplementary cartridges are inserted, and movable press is in “press”position.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the side view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, when the cooking cartridge loading tray and supplementarycartridge loading tray are in “close” position, a cooking cartridge andsupplementary cartridges are inserted, and movable press is in “lift”position.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the top view of thesemi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 11A illustrates the top compartment. FIG.11B illustrates the cooking compartment.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are diagrams illustrating the movable press ofthe semi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. FIG. 12A illustrates the movable press in“ready” position. FIG. 12B illustrates the movable press in “press”position. FIG. 12C illustrates the movable press in “lift” position.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the movable cooking base ofthe semi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. FIG. 13A illustrates the movable cookingbase when the cartridge seal opener is in “down” position. FIG. 13Billustrates the movable cooking base when the cartridge seal opener isin “up” position.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating the cooking cartridge of thesemi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 14A illustrates the cooking cartridge whenthe lid is open. FIG. 14B illustrates the cooking cartridge when the lidis close.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating the cooking cartridge of thesemi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 15A illustrates the top view of thecooking cartridge. FIG. 15B illustrates a cartridge holder or case.

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are diagrams illustrating example shapes for thecooking cartridge, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are diagrams illustrating supplementary cartridgeloading compartment of the semi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG.1, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 17A illustratesthe supplementary cartridge with cap in sealed position. FIG. 17Billustrates the supplementary cartridge with cap in open position. FIG.17C illustrates the bottom view of the supplementary cartridge loadingtray.

FIGS. 18A-18E are diagrams illustrating supplementary cartridge of thesemi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 19A-19D are diagrams illustrating example form factors ofsupplementary cartridge, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are flow diagrams illustrating a process of operatingthe semi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance withan illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Example Semi-Automatic Food Cooking System

Overall System

FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary semi-automatic foodcooking apparatus 100, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.The apparatus may have combinations of the following main sections: (1)cooking compartment 101 that houses parts for cooking operations, (2)top compartment 102 that may have a clean water reservoir, control unit,communication unit, and user interface display unit, (3) supplementarycartridge loading compartment 103, and (4) base compartment 104 that mayhave a waste water reservoir, control unit, and communication unit. Theapparatus may be equipped with one or more of the following parts:temperature sensor, pressure sensor, smoke detector, humidity sensor,vibration sensor, sound detector, light detector, code reader orscanner, carbon-monoxide detector, air filter, water filter, water leveldetector, and limit switch.

The control unit may be, for instance, a microprocessor controlling andoperating the parts of the apparatus 100 prior to, during, and after theexecution of a cooking program to control a cooking cycle for the mealbeing prepared. The cooking programs may be pre-programmed in a memorystorage unit (not shown), loaded by an external device (such as smartphone, tablet or computer), or entered by the user. Cooking programs mayalso be encoded in a cartridge loaded into the system, as detailedbelow. The communication unit may be provided with a user interface forentering instructions for and trading information with the control unit.In one example, the communication unit includes a keypad for enteringinstructions and choosing a cooking program from among those stored inthe memory storage unit. The keypad may serve as means for entering andsaving the parameters of new cooking cycles as desired by the user. Thecommunication unit may also include a monitor (not shown) forcommunicating information from the control unit to the user, such as thestate of progress of a cooking cycle or messages transmitted to the userwhen their attention is required.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the front view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. The supplementary cartridge loading compartment 103 may haveat least one supplementary cartridge socket 201 that securely holds aninserted supplementary cartridge in place, and supplementary cartridgeloading tray 152 (as shown in FIG. 6). The cooking compartment 101 mayhave a movable press 202, a movable cooking base 203, door 105 withcooking cartridge loading tray 151 (as shown in FIG. 6), supplementarycontent loading chute 204, a water inlet for adding water to the watercartridge, for instance water tube 205 with control valve (not shown),and ventilation fan 206. The cooking compartment 101 may have codereader, code scanner, smoke detector, and sensors for temperature,humidity and pressure as illustrated by 207.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the semi-automatic foodcooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. The cooking compartment 101 may have a back compartment 153that may have a cooling element such as a ventilation fan, heat pipe, orheat pump (not shown) and a control unit (not shown). Cooking cartridgelid guides 154 may be installed in the cooking compartment 101 to pushthe cooking cartridge lid 502 toward the back of the cooking compartment101 when the movable press 202 is lifted.

FIG. 11 are diagrams illustrating the top view of the semi-automaticfood cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. FIG. 11A illustrates the top view of the top compartment 102with example positions of optional water reservoir 291, control anddisplay units 292, movable press 202, supplementary cartridge loadingcompartment 103, supplementary content loading chute 204, and water tube205. FIG. 11B illustrates the top view of the cooking compartment 101with example positions of cooking cartridge lid guides 154, door 105,movable press 202, cooking cartridge lid holder 254, supplementarycontent loading chute 204, and water tube 205.

Movable Press

FIG. 12 includes diagrams illustrating the movable press 202 of thesemi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The movable press 202 may have press operatingunit 251 that moves the ensemble of the moveable press including theupper part of the press 255 and the lower part of the press. The lowerpart of the movable press may include spring 252, a pressure sensor (notshown), vibrator 253, and cooking cartridge lid holder 254. The spring252 allows the lower part to move somewhat freely when the vibrator isactivated while the upper part is fixed.

FIG. 12A illustrates the movable press in “ready” position. FIG. 12Billustrates the movable press in “press” position. FIG. 12C illustratesthe movable press in “lift” position.

Movable Cooking Base

FIG. 13 includes diagrams illustrating the movable cooking base 203 ofthe semi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. The upper part of the movable cooking base203 may have cooking platform 281. Cooking platform 281 may be equippedwith a heating element, for example one or more of a heating coil,induction heating element, and micro-wave device. The cooking platform281 may be equipped with sensors (not shown) for temperature andpressure. The cooking platform 281 may be mounted on a platform base 282that may be equipped with vibrator 283, and optionally a pressure sensor(not shown).

Spring 284 connects the upper part of the movable cooking base to thelower part 288 of the movable cooking base 203. The spring 284 allowsthe upper part to move somewhat freely when the vibrator 283 isactivated while the lower part 288 is fixed. The movable cooking base203 may be equipped with a waste water drain conduit, such as drainwater tube 287.

A waste water draining device may also be included, for example acartridge drain seal opener rod 285 and cartridge drain seal opener rodoperating device 286 which operate together for draining water from thecooking cartridge. FIG. 13A illustrates the cartridge seal opener in“down” position. FIG. 13B illustrates the cartridge seal opener in “up”position at which the cartridge drain seal movable disc 507 (shown inFIG. 14) is pushed upward to create a small gap for draining water fromthe cooking cartridge.

Supplementary Cartridge Loading Compartment

FIG. 17 includes diagrams illustrating supplementary cartridge loadingcompartment 103 of the semi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1,in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The supplementarycartridge loading compartment 103 may have one or more of supplementarycartridge loading tray 152, supplementary cartridge cap opening device601, supplementary cartridge cap opening hook 602, and vibrator 603.Supplementary cartridge 701 may be inserted into the supplementarycartridge socket 201 and securely held in position. FIG. 17A illustratesthe supplementary cartridge with its cap in sealed position. Whentriggered by a cooking program, the supplementary cartridge cap opener(601 and 602) pulls the supplementary cartridge cap 704. Thesupplementary contents drop through supplementary cartridge opening 707and supplementary content discharge gap 604. The vibrator 603 may beused to assist in the discharge of contents from the supplementarycartridge. FIG. 17B illustrates the supplementary cartridge with its capin open position. FIG. 17C illustrates the bottom view of thesupplementary cartridge loading tray. The supplementary cartridge on theleft has its cap in sealed position. The one on the right has its cap inopen position.

Cooking Cartridge

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the cooking cartridge of thesemi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The cooking cartridge may have two parts:cartridge 501 and lid 502. FIG. 14A illustrates the cooking cartridgewhen the lid is open. FIG. 14B illustrates the cooking cartridge whenthe lid is closed. The lid 502 may have heat resistant seal 503 andpressure release seal 509. The cartridge 501 is made with sturdymaterial that withstands pressure from the movable press 202 and heatfrom the cooking base 203. It is made of a material suitable to allowefficient heat transfer from the heating element. The cartridge 501 mayhave code 504 for setting cooking program that controls a cooking cyclefor the meal being prepared. The cartridge 501 may have water drain seal505 tightly seals the cartridge with housing made with sturdy materialand filled with softer material such as heat-resistant silicone. Thewater drain seal 505 may have strainer 506 preventing food items fromexiting the cartridge and movable disc 507 that can be pushed upward tocreate a small gap for draining water. The cartridge 501 may havecartridge base 508. FIG. 15A illustrates the top view of the cookingcartridge with example positions of water drain seal 505 and cartridgebase 508. FIG. 15B illustrates cartridge holder 551 that is made of heatinsulated material for holding hot cartridge. The shape of the cartridgeholder 551 is generally conforming to the shape of the cooking cartridge501.

FIG. 16 are diagrams illustrating example form factors of cookingcartridge 501, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 16Ais rectangular form. FIG. 16B is square form. FIG. 16C is disc form.

Cooking cartridge 501 and its lid 502 can be either reusable orsingle-use.

Supplementary Cartridge

FIG. 18 are diagrams illustrating supplementary cartridge 701 of thesemi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The supplementary cartridge 701 is made oflight weight material suitable for its contents. It may have airtightseal 702, airtight cap 704 that can be removed with a gentle pull, sealopening cutout 706 assisting the opening when the cap is pulled, opening707 for content discharge, and dip 708 for cartridge proper positioningin the supplementary cartridge compartment 103. The supplementarycartridge 701 may have code label 703 for setting cooking program tocontrol cooking cycle. FIG. 18A and FIG. 18C illustrate thesupplementary cartridge with its cap in sealed position. FIG. 18B andFIG. 18D illustrate the supplementary cartridge with its cap in pulledposition. Supplementary contents 705 can be seen through the opening 707when the cap 704 is pulled open. FIG. 18E illustrates the side view ofthe supplementary cartridge with its cap in pulled position.

FIG. 19 are diagrams illustrating example shapes for supplementarycartridge 701, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 19Ais formed in the shape of a cup. FIG. 19B is a multi-layer cup having atleast one inner layer 701 or 702 for separation of contents. FIG. 19C isin the shape of a cylinder or disc. FIG. 19D is in the shape of a brick.The supplementary cartridge 701 can be either reusable or single-use.

Operating Positions

The exemplary semi-automatic food cooking system may be in the followingoperating positions:

READY: As illustrated in FIG. 2 (front view) and FIG. 6 (side view), thecooking cartridge loading tray 151 is closed and empty, thesupplementary cartridge loading tray 152 is closed and empty, and themovable press 202 is in “ready” position.

LOADING: As illustrated in FIG. 7 (side view), the cooking cartridgeloading tray 151 is open and empty, the supplementary cartridge loadingtray 152 is open and empty, and the movable press 202 is in “ready”position.

LOADED: As illustrated in FIG. 8 (side view), the cooking cartridgeloading tray 151 is open and loaded, the supplementary cartridge loadingtray 152 is open and loaded, and the movable press 202 is in “ready”position.

INSERTED: As illustrated in FIG. 3 (front view), both cooking cartridge501 and supplementary cartridges 701 are inserted in position, and themovable press 202 is in “ready” position. The cooking cartridge 501 caneasy move through the gap between the movable press 202 and the movablecooking base 203.

PRESS: As illustrated in FIG. 4 (front view) and FIG. 9 (side view), thecooking cartridge loading tray 151 is closed and loaded, thesupplementary cartridge loading tray 152 is closed and loaded, bothcooking cartridge and supplementary cartridges are inserted, and themovable press 202 is in “press” position. In this position, the cookingcartridge is held securely by the movable press 202 and the movablecooking base 203. The vibrators 253 and 283 can shake the cookingcartridge to impart a “stirring” motion to the contents in the cookingcartridge.

LIFT: As illustrated in FIG. 5 (front view) and FIG. 10 (side view), themovable press 202 is in “lift” position. The cooking cartridge lidholder 254 carries the cooking cartridge lid 502 though cookingcartridge lid guides 154. In this position, the cooking cartridge lid502 is pushed toward to the back of the cooking compartment 101 so thatsupplementary contents and clean water can drop directly into thecooking cartridge 501 through supplementary content loading chute 204and water tube 205, respectively.

Example Method of Operation

The method for semi-automatic food cooking may include one or more ofthe following steps:

Put food items into cooking cartridge 501. The food items may beprepared completely from scratch at the time of cooking. The food itemsmay be prepared prior to the time of cooking, and stored in refrigeratoror freezer to preserve freshness. Pre-packed food items may be purchasedin sealed packages. Food items may be loaded into the cooking cartridge.Food items may be prepackaged in single-use cooking cartridge.

Select supplementary cartridge loaded with supplementary contents forthe meal.

Turn on the semi-automatic food cooking apparatus.

Open cooking cartridge loading tray and insert a cooking cartridge.

Open the supplementary cartridge loading tray and insert optionalsupplementary cartridges.

Close the cooking cartridge loading tray and supplementary cartridgeloading tray.

Choose preset or set cooking program to control “cooking cycle”. Cookingprograms may be entered locally and manually through control and displayunit of the apparatus. Alternatively, the cooking program may be loadedfrom an external device such as smart phone, smart tablet, or computer(collectively referred as “external device”). The cooking programs maybe stored in servers to be downloaded by external devices. The externaldevice may be connected to the apparatus through either a wired orwireless connection. A code reader may read a code printed on thesupplementary cartridge and cooking cartridge to preset the cookingprogram.

Modify the cooking program to suit personal preference.

Press start button on the apparatus or external device to initiate the“cooking cycle.”

When the cooking cycle is complete, remove and discard the optionalsupplementary cartridges, take out the cooking cartridge forconsumption. The cooking cartridge may be put into an optional cartridgeholder to prevent heat burns. The apparatus is automatically turned off

Cooking Cycle

In one example embodiment, there is provided a unique method ofsemi-automatic food cooking with a programmable “cooking cycle” thatcontrols the following optional operations:

Put movable press in “ready” position.

Put movable press in “press” position.

Put movable press in “lift” position.

Turn on the vibrator of the movable press.

Turn off the vibrator of the movable press.

Turn on the vibrator of the movable cooking base.

Turn off the vibrator of the movable cooking base.

Turn on supplementary cartridge cap opener to pull open supplementarycartridge cap.

Turn off supplementary cartridge cap opener.

Turn on the vibrator of the supplementary cartridge loading compartment.

Turn off the vibrator of the supplementary cartridge loadingcompartment.

Open clean water valve to drop water into the cooking cartridge.

Close clean water valve.

Turn on cartridge drain seal opener to drain water from the cookingcartridge

Turn off cartridge drain seal opener.

Turn on the heating element to a set temperature.

Turn off the heating element.

Turn on ventilation fan.

Turn off ventilation fan.

The cooking cycle commands the above operations in a certain sequenceand timing to achieve one or more of the following optional actions:

Put water into the cooking cartridge when it's needed for cooking,soaking, or rinsing.

Drain water from the cooking cartridge.

Add supplementary contents to the cooking cartridge.

Heat the food contents in the cooking cartridge to desired temperatureand duration.

Cool down the food contents in the cooking cartridge to desiredtemperature and duration.

Stir the food contents in the cooking cartridge.

Example Safety Operations

The following optional operations may be part of a preferred method toensure safety and soundness of the cooking process:

Turn off the system when smoke detector alarm is off

Turn off heat when pressure in the cooking cartridge reaches a setlevel.

Turn on ventilation fan when the temperature in the cooking compartmentreaches a set level.

Only move the movable press in “press” position when a cooking cartridgeis inserted and in proper position.

Only move the movable press in “lift” position when a cooking cartridgelid is inserted and in proper position.

Only turn on clean water valve when a cooking cartridge is in place.

Only turn on clean water valve when clean water reservoir is not empty.

Only turn on drain water seal opener when a cooking cartridge with drainwater seal is in place.

Only turn on drain water seal opener when waste water reservoir is notfull.

Only turn on the heating element when a cooking cartridge is inserted.

Only turn on supplementary cartridge cap opener when a supplementarycartridge is in the socket.

Example Process

FIGS. 20 and 21 are flow diagrams illustrating a process of operatingthe semi-automatic food cooking apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. When initiated, the apparatus 100 begins thepreparation sub-process at step 801. In subsequent steps 802 and 804,the apparatus may perform safety and soundness checks, for example waterpresence in the reservoir, presence and position of cooking cartridge,and position of the movable press. If the check results are negative,the apparatus 100 displays status light and information at step 803. Ifall checks are positive, the apparatus 100 checks if precook water cycleis required at step 805. If not, it skips ahead to step 851 to begin thecooking sub-process. If yes, the apparatus 100 turns on the clean watervalve to inject water into the cooking cartridge and turns it off whenthe water reaches a preset quantity that matches the net volume of thecooking cartridge with loaded food items. With some time delay in step807, the apparatus 100 turns on the drain water seal opener to drainwater from the cooking cartridge. At this step 807, the vibrator may beturned on to shake the cooking cartridge for better drainage. With sometime delay in step 809, the apparatus 100 may repeat steps 806 and 807any number of time with different time delay interval. This water cycleallows rinsing, soaking, washing and cooking of food items loaded in thecooking cartridge. Once the water cycle is complete, the processadvances to cooking sub-process. The apparatus 100 starts the cookingsub-process at step 851. The apparatus 100 may perform additional safetyand soundness checks, for example the need for, presence and position ofa supplementary cartridge. At step 852, the apparatus may read code fromthe supplementary cartridge and cooking cartridge to set a cookingprogram that controls the “cooking cycle”. Alternatively, the apparatus100 may acquire a cooking program manually or remotely entered at step854. Once the cooking program is set, the apparatus 100 start the“cooking cycle” at step 855. During the cooking cycle illustrated bystep 856, the apparatus 100 operates and commands the following devices:cooking platform heating element, cooking cartridge vibrator,supplementary cartridge cap opener, supplementary cartridge vibrator,ventilation fan, movable press position, clean water valve, and drainwater seal opener. In some instances, the cooking cycle may not includea heating step, for instance in the preparation of meals not requiringheating such as salads.

When the “cooking cycle” is complete, the apparatus 100 may display amessage or emit a sound. The sound and message may be provided locallyon the apparatus 100 or remotely on external devices.

EXAMPLE 1 Penne Parmesan Alfredo

To cook this meal, a user of apparatus 100 places one serving quantityof penne pasta into the cooking cartridge 501. Alternatively, the userpurchases a commercially available penne pasta package measured for therequired quantify and loads the pre-packaged penne pasta into thecooking cartridge 501. In a further alternative, the user purchases apreloaded single-use-penne-pasta cooking cartridge 501. The user choosestwo supplementary cartridges 701 for the supplementary cartridgecompartment 103. The first supplementary cartridge may contain apremixed sauce that may have parmesan, minced onion, garlic, peas, salt,pepper and heavy cream. The second supplementary cartridge may containgrated parmesan. The supplementary cartridges have sufficient contentsfor one serving.

The user turns on the apparatus 100, subsequently inserts the loadedcooking cartridge 501 through cooking loading tray 151, andsupplementary cartridges 701 into the supplementary cartridge loadingtray 152, then push the supplementary cartridges into the socket 201 inthe supplementary cartridge compartment 103.

The user scans the code on the supplementary cartridges 701 oroptionally the single-use preloaded cooking cartridge 501 with anexternal device. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 scans the code on theinserted supplementary cartridges 701 and optionally the single-usepreloaded cooking cartridge 501 to set the matching cooking program.Alternatively, the user chooses a preset cooking program on theapparatus 100, from program library on a server, or from an externaldevice. The selected cooking program can be loaded to the apparatus 100by an external device. The user may modify the cooking program to suitepersonal preference.

The user initiates the cooking cycle. The action can be done eitherlocally on the apparatus 100 or remotely via external device.

During a preferred cooking cycle, the apparatus 100 performs thefollowing sequential operations:

Put the movable press 202 in “lift” position.

Turn on clean water valve (not shown) to fill water into the cookingcartridge 501.

Turn off clean water valve (not shown).

Put the movable press 202 in “press” position.

Turn on heating element on the cooking platform 281 to a settemperature.

After a certain time period, turn off the heating element on the cookingplatform 281.

Turn on the drain water seal opener 285 and 286.

Intermittently, turn on vibrators 253 and 283 on the movable press 202and the movable cooking base 203 to assist water draining.

Turn off the drain water seal opener 285 and 286.

Put the movable press 202 in “lift” position.

Turn on the supplementary cartridge opener 601 and 602 of the firstsocket 201.

Turn on the vibrator 603 on the first supplementary cartridge socket 201to assist the discharge of premixed sauce into the cooking cartridge501.

Put the movable press 202 in “press” position.

Turn on heating element on the cooking platform 281 to a settemperature.

Intermittently turn on vibrators 253 and 283 on the movable press 202and the movable cooking base 203 to assist content mixing

After a certain time period, turn off the heating element on the cookingplatform 281.

Put the movable press 202 in “lift” position.

Turn on the supplementary cartridge opener 601 and 602 of the secondsocket 201.

Turn on the vibrator 603 on the second supplementary cartridge socket201 to assist the discharge of grated parmesan into the cookingcartridge 501.

Put the movable press 202 in “press” position.

Turn on heating element on the cooking platform 203 to a settemperature.

Intermittently turn on vibrators 253 and 283 on the movable press 202and the movable cooking base 203 to assist content mixing.

After a certain time period, turn off the heating element on the cookingplatform 281.

Put the movable press 202 in “ready” position.

Display message or send sound to inform that the meal is ready to beserved.

EXAMPLE 2 Stir-fry Teriyaki Chicken

To cook this meal, a user of apparatus 100 places one serving quantityof cut chicken into the cooking cartridge 501. Alternatively, the useropens a commercially available package containing the required quantifyand loads the chicken into the cooking cartridge 501. Anotheralternative, the user purchases a preloaded single-use-teriyaki-chickencooking cartridge 501. The user chooses two supplementary cartridges701. The first supplementary cartridge may contain cooking oil. Thesecond supplementary cartridge contains premixed teriyaki sauce that mayhave soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Thesupplementary cartridges have sufficient contents for one serving.

The user turns on the apparatus 100, subsequently inserts the loadedcooking cartridge 501 through the cooking loading tray 151, andsupplementary cartridges 701 into the supplementary cartridge loadingtray 152, then pushes the supplementary cartridges into the socket 201in the supplementary cartridge compartment 103.

The user scans the code on the supplementary cartridge 701 andoptionally the single-use preloaded cooking cartridge 501 with anexternal device. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 scans the code on theinserted supplementary cartridges 701 and optionally the single-usepreloaded cooking cartridge 501 to set the matching cooking program.Alternatively, the user chooses a preset cooking program on theapparatus 100, from program library on a server, or from an externaldevice. The selected cooking program can be loaded into the apparatus100 by an external device. The user may modify the cooking program tosuit personal preference.

The user initiates the cooking cycle. The action may be done eitherlocally on the apparatus 100 or remotely via external device.

During the cooking cycle, the apparatus 100 performs the followingsequential operations:

Put the movable press 202 in “lift” position.

Turn on the supplementary cartridge opener 601 and 602 of the firstsocket 201.

Turn on the vibrator 603 on the first supplementary cartridge socket 201to assist the discharge of cooking oil into the cooking cartridge 501.

Put the movable press 202 in “press” position.

Turn on heating element on the cooking platform 281 to a settemperature.

Intermittently, turn on vibrators 253 and 283 on the movable press 202and the movable cooking base 203 to assist content mixing.

After a certain time period, turn off the heating element on the cookingplatform 281.

Put the movable press 202 in “lift” position.

Turn on the supplementary cartridge opener 601 and 602 of the secondsocket 201.

Turn on the vibrator 603 on the second supplementary cartridge socket201 to assist the discharge of pre-mixed sauce into the cookingcartridge 501.

Put the movable press 202 in “press” position.

Turn on heating element on the cooking platform 281 to a settemperature.

Intermittently turn on vibrators 253 and 283 on the movable press 202and the movable cooking base 203 to assist content mixing.

After a certain time period, turn off the heating element on the cookingplatform 281.

Put the movable press 202 in “ready” position.

Display message or emit sound to inform that the meal is ready to beserved.

EXAMPLE 3 Rice

To cook rice, a user of the apparatus 100 places one serving of ricegrains into the cooking cartridge 501. The user turns on the apparatus100, subsequently inserts the loaded cooking cartridge 501 through thecooking loading tray 151. The user chooses a preset cooking program onthe apparatus 100, from a program library on a server, or from anexternal device. The selected cooking program can be loaded into theapparatus 100 by an external device. The user may modify the cookingprogram to suit personal preference.

The user initiates the cooking cycle. The action may be done eitherlocally on the apparatus 100 or remotely via external device.

During the cooking cycle, the apparatus 100 performs the followingsequential operations:

Run and repeat rice washing or rinsing operations.

Put the movable press 202 in “lift” position.

Turn on clean water valve (not shown) to fill water into the cookingcartridge 501.

Turn off clean water valve (not shown).

Put the movable press 202 in “press” position.

Intermittently, turn on vibrators 253 and 283 on the movable press 202and the movable cooking base 203 to assist washing or rinsing of ricegrains.

Turn on the drain water seal opener 285 and 286.

Intermittently, turn on vibrators 253 and 283 on the movable press 202and the movable cooking base 203 to assist water draining.

Turn off the drain water seal opener 285 and 286.

Put the movable press 202 in “lift” position.

Turn on clean water valve (not shown) to fill water into the cookingcartridge 501.

Turn off clean water valve (not shown).

Put the movable press 202 in “press” position.

Turn on heating element on the cooking platform 281 to a settemperature.

After a certain time period, turn off the heating element on the cookingplatform 281.

Put the movable press 202 in “ready” position.

Display message and emit sound to inform that the meal is ready to beserved.

The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to bemerely. exemplary; numerous variations and modifications will beapparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations andmodifications are intended to be within the scope of the presentinvention as defined in any appended claims.

1. A semi-automatic food cooking apparatus comprising: a control unit; acommunication unit; and a cooking compartment comprising: a cookingcartridge loading tray; a movable press; a movable cooking base; and acooking cartridge lid guide.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, where: themovable press comprises: a movable press upper part; a movable presslower part; a press operating unit with means to set the position of theupper part and the lower part; and a spring, where (a) the lower partcomprises: a vibrator; and a movable cooking cartridge lid holder; and(b) the spring is connected to the upper part and lower part of themovable press and allows independent movements of the upper part and thelower part.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, where the movable press furthercomprises a pressure sensor.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, where themovable cooking base comprises a movable cooking base upper part, amovable cooking base lower part, wherein: (a) the upper part comprises:a platform base; a cooking platform; and a vibrator coupled to theplatform base, and (b) a spring coupled to the upper part and the lowerpart of the movable cooking base and allows for independent movements ofthe upper part and lower part.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein thecooking platform is equipped with a heating element selected from thegroup consisting of a heating coil, induction heating element, microwavedevice, and combinations thereof
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a cooling element selected from the group consisting of aventilation fan, heat pipe, heat pump, and combinations thereof
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a water inlet with a controlvalve, a waste water reservoir, a waste water draining device, and awaste water drain conduit.
 8. A system for semi-automatic food cookingcomprising: the apparatus of claim 1, a cooking cartridge for loadingfood items, and a supplementary cartridge for loading supplementarycontents.
 9. A semi-automatic food cooking apparatus comprising: acontrol unit; a communication unit; a cooking compartment comprising: acooking cartridge loading tray, and a supplementary content loadingchute; and a supplementary cartridge loading compartment comprising asupplementary cartridge loading tray, and at least one supplementarycontent discharge gap.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, the supplementarycartridge loading compartment further comprising a supplementarycartridge cap opening device.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, thesupplementary cartridge loading compartment further comprising asupplementary cartridge cap opening hook.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9,the supplementary cartridge loading compartment further comprising asupplementary cartridge socket and at least one vibrator.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 9, further comprising a cooling element selected fromthe group consisting of a ventilation fan, heat pipe, heat pump, andcombinations thereof
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising awater inlet with a control valve, a waste water reservoir, a waste waterdraining device, a waste water drain conduit, a moveable press and amoveable base, where: the movable press comprises: a movable press upperpart; a movable press lower part; a press operating unit with means toset the position of the upper part and the lower part; and a spring,wherein: (a) the lower part comprises: a vibrator; and a movable cookingcartridge lid holder; and (b) the spring is connected to the upper partand lower part of the movable press and allows independent movements ofthe upper part and the lower part; and the movable base comprises amovable base upper part, a movable base lower part, wherein: (a) theupper part comprises: a platform base; a platform; and a vibratorcoupled to the platform base, and (b) a spring coupled to the upper partand the lower part of the movable base and allows for independentmovements of the upper part and lower part.
 15. A system forsemi-automatic food cooking comprising: the apparatus of claim 9, acooking cartridge for loading food items, and a supplementary cartridgefor loading supplementary contents.
 16. The method of claim 23, thecooking compartment further comprising: a cooking cartridge loadingtray, a cooking cartridge lid guide, and a supplementary loading chute,and the supplementary loading compartment further comprising asupplementary cartridge loading tray, a supplementary content dischargegap, and a supplementary cartridge cap opener.
 17. The method of claim23, where the inserting the cooking cartridge comprises opening thecooking cartridge loading tray, placing the cooking cartridge on thecartridge loading tray, and closing the cooking cartridge loading tray.18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim 23, wherein the cooking cyclefurther comprises the step of setting the movable press in a “ready”position.
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. A method forsemi-automatic food cooking, comprising: inserting a cooking cartridgehaving a cooking cartridge lid containing food items in a cookingcompartment of a semi-automatic cooking apparatus, the cookingcompartment comprising: a movable press comprising: a movable pressupper part; a movable press lower part, and a first spring, where (a)the lower part comprises: a movable cooking cartridge lid holder; and(b) the first spring is connected to the upper part and lower part ofthe movable press and allows independent movements of the upper part andthe lower part; a movable cooking base comprising: a movable cookingbase upper part, a movable cooking base lower part, and a second spring,wherein: (a) the upper part comprises: a platform base, and a cookingplatform; and (b) the second spring is coupled to the upper part and thelower part of the movable cooking base and allows for independentmovements of the upper part and lower part, and a first vibrator coupledto at least one of the movable press and the movable cooking base;inserting a supplementary cartridge containing supplementary contents ina supplementary loading compartment of the semi-automatic cookingapparatus, the supplementary compartment comprising: a supplementarycartridge socket; and a second vibrator coupled to the supplementarycartridge socket; initiating a cooking cycle, wherein the cooking cyclecomprises: placing the movable press in a press position so as to holdthe cooking cartridge securely between the movable press and the movablecooking base, so as to hold the cooking cartridge lid on the cookingcartridge, setting the movable press in a lift position so as to liftthe cooking cartridge lid off the cooking cartridge, to open the cookingcartridge, while the cooking cartridge is open, opening thesupplementary cartridge and discharging the supplementary contents intothe cooking cartridge, activating the second vibrator to assist thedischarge of contents from the supplementary cooking cartridge, andactivating the first vibrator to mix the food items and supplementarycontents by shaking the cooking cartridge, and removing the cookingcartridge and the supplemental cartridge from the semi-automatic cookingapparatus at the end of the cooking cycle.
 24. The method of claim 23,further comprising the execution of a cooking program to control thecooking cycle.
 25. The method of claim 16, where the inserting thesupplementary cartridge comprises opening the supplementary cartridgeloading tray, placing the supplementary cartridge on the supplementarycartridge loading tray and closing the supplementary cartridge loadingtray.
 26. (canceled)
 27. The method of claim 23, where the cooking cyclecomprises one or more of adding water to the cooking cartridge anddraining water from the cooking cartridge.
 28. (canceled)
 29. The methodof claim 23, further comprising one or more of adding food items to thecooking cartridge and adding supplementary contents to the supplementarycartridge.
 30. The method of claim 23, where the cooking cycle furthercomprises heating food contents in the cooking cartridge.
 31. (canceled)32. The method of claim 23, where the cooking cycle further comprisesactivating a ventilation fan.
 33. The method of claim 23, where thecooking cycle further comprises pushing the cooking cartridge lid towardto the back of the cooking compartment.